::The Project::
This piece was commissioned as a wedding gift. It consists of red paper cranes attached to a high quality sheet of white paper in the shape of a heart.

::The Details::
★ 71 red origami cranes arranged into a heart
★ 16″ x 20″ heavy sheet of high quality, acid free white art paper
★ black frame (16″ x 20″)
★ signed + dated

If you are interested in a custom project, please contact me.

You can find a few more photos on Flickr.

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Pierre by Maurice Sendak

If you haven’t read this book, you should (it’s really short)! Maurice Sendak is just fabulous; the story is funny and the illustrations are perfect. Carol King made a musical version of this classic, and I must have listened to it hundreds of times.

A Little Princess by Frances Hodgson Burnett

Before I read the book (or even knew there was a book) I watched Shirley Temple play Sarah Crewe. I was in love with the story. Years later, the movie was remade (also great) and I read the book. My favorite part is when Sarah says:

I am a princess. All girls are. Even if they live in tiny old attics. Even if they dress in rags, even if they aren’t pretty, or smart, or young. They’re still princesses. All of us. Didn’t your father ever tell you that? Didn’t he?

Someday Angeline by Louis Sachar

I was a big Louis Sachar fan (Sideways Stories from Wayside School, Dogs Don’t Tell Jokes, Holes), and this book was particularly memorable. There’s this one part where the dad thinks Angeline’s teacher, Mr. Bone, is coming over to speak with him. He’s totally surprised when a woman, Ms. Turbone, shows up instead. I loved that. Still do.

Oh, Reading Rainbow was the best (it was just cancelled last year, unfortunately). I was always thrilled when the real kids talked about books that my mom let me get from book order (remember book order!?) or that I’d taken out of the library. It was a great show that got kids excited about reading and it taught us something while we watched it; that’s pretty cool.

Today’s question: What were your favorite books when you were a kid? Why’d you like them?

-April

Lost In Thoughts is a weekly series. I started this feature because I’m inspired by the amazing things I see on blogs and Etsy, and by family, friends, readers’ comments, and life. I don’t want to keep all of these wonderful finds to myself, so I gather them together on Thursdays to share with you.

I was contacted about making a heart out of paper cranes, and I thought it would be an interesting challenge. My client will be giving this piece as a wedding gift, so that’s pretty exciting! I’ll share more pictures when it’s complete.

Have you been working on any projects?

Love in the Library Cake Topper from Lace & Rubbish’s Etsy shop

I’m a bit of a book worm, and this custom cake topper made me smile so much that I just had to share! Look at all the detail that went into this. Look at the scarf! Really? Wow, it’s so awesome. You can find more custom wedding cake toppers in the Lace & Rubbish Etsy shop.

Bags print by James Brown

This is a fun poster! I can just imagine one of these prints framed and hanging in an entryway beside an old fashioned coat stand.  Just a friendly reminder to visitors. The print is available at the Keep Calm Gallery. (via PoppyTalk)

Plaid Raccoon from sian’s Etsy shop

I don’t usually think of raccoons as cute, but this little dude’s definitely an exception! It’s super sweet, and the fabric is just perfect. Check out sian’s Etsy shop for more stuffed animals, including custom dog and cat portraits! Awww.

PostSecret: Confessions on Life, Death and God from Frank Warren

In this PostSecret video you see 50 people who are all asked the same question: what’s your secret? Some of the answers will make you smile and others might make you sad. I wonder if telling their secrets left them feeling relieved of a burden; sometimes it’s easier to tell a stranger.

Today’s question: Would you tell your secret if somebody stopped you on the street? I’m pretty camera shy; I think I’d probably smile, shake my head, and keep walking. Unless I was with a friend who wanted participate – then I might change my mind.

-April

Lost In Thoughts is a weekly series. I started this feature because I’m inspired by the amazing things I see on blogs and Etsy, and by family, friends, readers’ comments, and life. I don’t want to keep all of these wonderful finds to myself, so I gather them together on Thursdays to share with you.

Google Forums are used in countries around the world; we wanted to embrace that, so Happy Birthday! is featured in 25 languages. The pyramid in the center of the card is the Google Forums logo, which was designed at some point last year by another designer. I’m quite pleased with the way the design turned out, and it was certainly an exciting project!

The Details
★ Folded card
★ White envelope
★ Size A2 (4 ¼” x 5 ½”)
★ Printed locally on 100% recycled paper

Thanks Google!

Please contact me if you’re interested in custom design work. Browse other custom designs here.

From Morocco Style edited by Dr. Angelika Taschen

If I didn’t live in an apartment, I’d take a decor cue from Morocco and use some bold colors on my walls. The simplicity of this room makes it inviting. I really like the way the curtains are knotted to let the light stream in.

Lightweight Jute String Trio from olive manna’s Etsy shop

Wonderful color combination. It’s hard to go wrong with a nice red, a pale pink, and a white. This is just the type of string I like to use to tie up my card sets. This trio might be in my future.

Emma Watson

I find this photo of Emma Watson completely mesmerizing; the style is old fashioned and modern at the same time. Loving the smoldering eyes and red lips.

Did you ever watch Pee-Wee’s Playhouse? I did and I love, love, loved the Penny cartoons. This is a great one; words to live by!

Today’s question: Will you share a favorite quote or motto?

Here’s a Pablo Picasso quote that I think about regularly:

All children are artists. The problem is how to remain an artist once he grows up.

-April

Lost In Thoughts is a weekly series. I started this feature because I’m inspired by the amazing things I see on blogs and Etsy, and by family, friends, readers’ comments, and life. I don’t want to keep all of these wonderful finds to myself, so I gather them together on Thursdays to share with you.

DIY Valentine garland from Oh So Crafty

Sweet and simple, this project is right up my alley. I’d have a lot of fun choosing a color palette and leafing through old magazines looking for the right pages. Cut out hearts (stars might be fun too) and sew them together. (via Paper Crave)

I LOVE YOU ( a calligraphic stamp ) from Paperfinger’s Etsy shop

You can have beautiful calligraphy right at your fingertips with Paperfinger’s stamps (she has quite a few options). Her writing is so elegant and graceful; I’m having penmanship envy. Ha!

pistachio and grapefruit macarons from cannelle et vanille

These look heavenly, don’t they? So perfect and colorful! If you visit cannelle et vanille, you’ll find the recipe – good luck!

I’ve probably mentioned before that I love The Office. I couldn’t resist sharing one of my favorite scenes for this Valentine’s Day inspired post. I can’t keep the grin off my face when I watch it.

Today’s question: How do you feel about chocolate? I prefer Skittles or ice cream or so many other yummy treats.

-April

Lost In Thoughts is a weekly series. I started this feature because I’m inspired by the amazing things I see on blogs and Etsy, and by family, friends, readers’ comments, and life. I don’t want to keep all of these wonderful finds to myself, so I gather them together on Thursdays to share with you.

The invitation was accented with a birch tree and snowflakes, and a fern adorned the RSVP. The two pieces complimented each other and the wedding theme nicely.

I finished the invitations by gluing them to a green backing paper that matched the envelopes. I sent them to the couple tied with white satin ribbons.

Congratulations Julie and Tim! (They were married this past Friday.)

I’m so excited to celebrate with you that I’m sending you home with a little party favor (you’ll find it waiting for you at the end of this post). So let’s get to the birthday-themed inspiration!

pink lady cake (recipe + photo) by smitten kitchen

It should be no surprise that I’ve got birthday cake on the brain; this is a birthday post, after all . But a pink one? Yes, please. And thank you. I might have to give this recipe a try.

gift wrapping from mistybliss

What would a birthday be with a prettily wrapped gift or two? I’m a big fan of wrapping with old grocery bags and newspaper, but I’ve never used pages of a book before! Cool. The sewing adds a little something too, don’t ya think?

my photo

Birthdays are also for making wishes, so I’m wishing for all sorts of wonderful things in the coming year. I’ll share them with you as they happen (come true).

I’ve had fun using my imagination and working with clients this past year. I have a flickr set dedicated to Everything Little Miss, which you can see in the slideshow above.

Thank you for visiting my website and my shop and for going on this exciting adventure with me. I’m looking forward to all that’s still to come!

Question of the day: What’s your favorite thing about birthdays? I like the part about making awesome wishes.

Here’s my gift to you: I’m offering a 15% discount on all sales in my shop. Just mention “birthday discount” in the message to seller at checkout. You will be charged the full price at checkout, but I will refund 15%. You can also contact me to place an order. This offer is good until 11:59 PM on Thursday, February 11th, 2010.

*There’s still time to get Valentines. Check my shop for availability.

-April

Lost In Thoughts is a weekly series. I started this feature because I’m inspired by the amazing things I see on blogs and Etsy, and by family, friends, readers’ comments, and life. I don’t want to keep all of these wonderful finds to myself, so I gather them together on Thursdays to share with you.

I made the dental floss swoop into a “smile” and I changed the buttons on the phone so they’d look like dental tools (toothpick, toothbrush, toothpaste, & dental mirror). I really like the gentle reminder on the back that you “better start flossing now.” Ha!

Contact me if you’re interested in custom work. Visit my shop for single note cards and sets!